Hot Off the Grill - Handyman Club of America
Hot Off the Grill - Handyman Club of America
Hot Off the Grill - Handyman Club of America
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GEAR<br />
<strong>Hot</strong> <strong>Off</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Grill</strong><br />
Create <strong>the</strong> ultimate DIYer diner with a<br />
gas grill that’s right for you BY ROGER JOHNS<br />
While some folks adopt a slower pace<br />
during <strong>the</strong> summer, DIYers seem to transform into tireless<br />
home-improvement soldiers, taking full advantage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
warmer wea<strong>the</strong>r and longer days to complete ambitious<br />
outdoor projects. But just as an army can’t march on an<br />
empty stomach, we must frequently refuel to be at our best.<br />
And what better way to take a break and reflect on our<br />
progress than with a home-grilled meal?<br />
To make <strong>the</strong> most <strong>of</strong> your downtime and your dollars,<br />
your grill should suit your specific needs. Before you invest<br />
in one, ask <strong>the</strong>se questions: What do you plan to cook?<br />
How many people will you feed? How important is durability?<br />
What special features will you use? Consider <strong>the</strong> following<br />
tips and trends when you answer and you’ll soon be on<br />
your way to finding <strong>the</strong> perfect gas grill.<br />
Look what’s cookin’<br />
Regardless <strong>of</strong> price and special features, <strong>the</strong> most important<br />
measure <strong>of</strong> a good grill is whe<strong>the</strong>r it will reliably turn out<br />
tasty meals. Think about maximum heat output (measured<br />
in Btu), avoiding flare-ups and controlling temperature.<br />
The Btu rating indicates how fast <strong>the</strong> grill will heat up<br />
and cook food. A high heat output enables you to sear food<br />
surfaces, which helps lock in flavor. Maximum heat output<br />
ranges from 26,000 Btu for a small two-burner grill to<br />
62,000 Btu for a five-burner outdoor kitchen. Serious chefs<br />
prefer at least 40,000 Btu.<br />
The number <strong>of</strong> primary burners (<strong>the</strong> ones under <strong>the</strong><br />
main cooking surface) ranges from two for a small grill to<br />
four for a large one. Many grills even <strong>of</strong>fer an auxiliary<br />
stovetop burner for pots, pans or griddles.<br />
The number and orientation <strong>of</strong> burners determine how<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MANUFACTURERS<br />
42 HANDY J U N E / J U LY 2 0 0 9
A SIDE OF GRILLING ACCESSORIES<br />
Lightweight tank<br />
Revolutionizing <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />
propane tank, <strong>the</strong> Lite Cylinder<br />
Co. has introduced a translucent<br />
fiberglass version that is<br />
lightweight, corrosion-resistant<br />
and rated according to UL and<br />
Canadian safety standards.<br />
Gas gauge<br />
Connect <strong>the</strong> GasWatch<br />
($20 to $30) to your grill’s propane<br />
tank to easily gauge your fuel level.<br />
The device can also detect<br />
leaks and keeps fuel flow<br />
in check.<br />
Skeeter sprayer<br />
Banish bloodthirsty bugs<br />
while grilling with <strong>the</strong> Allclear<br />
Cordless Mosquito Mister ($500). It emits<br />
a solution <strong>of</strong> water and Allclear concentrate,<br />
repelling mosquitoes within 2,000<br />
sq. ft. for six hours.<br />
Rack ’em up<br />
The Weber Style Stainless Steel Rib Rack<br />
($35) features an upright design and<br />
adjustable slats so you can cook various<br />
sizes <strong>of</strong> ribs and chicken quarters without<br />
taking up valuable grill real estate.<br />
To read more about selecting <strong>the</strong> perfect grill<br />
or how to tune up your existing one,<br />
go to www.<strong>Handyman</strong><strong>Club</strong>.com<br />
and click on WEB EXTRAS.<br />
you will be able to control <strong>the</strong> temperature<br />
in specific zones. Some manufacturers<br />
position burners in a single line,<br />
which enables you to maintain uniform<br />
indirect heat by setting <strong>the</strong> outside<br />
burners at a higher temperature<br />
than <strong>the</strong> inner ones. O<strong>the</strong>r grill makers<br />
orient burners from front to back,<br />
which provides maximum zone control<br />
from side to side.<br />
Burners are arguably <strong>the</strong> most<br />
important component <strong>of</strong> a grill.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong>y are also <strong>the</strong> most likely<br />
to rust and need replacement. Be sure<br />
to choose a grill with durable stainlesssteel<br />
burners.<br />
Some premium grills <strong>of</strong>fer an auxiliary<br />
searing burner that can reach 700<br />
degrees. This is fantastic if you like rare<br />
steaks or thick sushi-grade fish with a<br />
crispy surface and thick grill stripes.<br />
Sometimes searing burners are positioned<br />
apart from <strong>the</strong> main cooking<br />
area, ei<strong>the</strong>r covered or exposed. The<br />
2009 Weber Summit S-470 and S-670<br />
models locate <strong>the</strong> Sear Station in <strong>the</strong><br />
middle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main burner area. It can<br />
be turned <strong>of</strong>f for standard direct or<br />
indirect grilling without losing precious<br />
grilling space.<br />
When it comes to grates, bare castiron<br />
ones hold heat well for searing,<br />
but <strong>the</strong>y rust if <strong>the</strong>y’re not periodically<br />
seasoned with oil. Stainless steel grates<br />
are <strong>the</strong> most rust-resistant, and porcelain-coated<br />
grates are also good,<br />
though <strong>the</strong>y may chip.<br />
Manufactures take different<br />
approaches to provide for smoke<br />
while avoiding flare-ups. Weber pioneered<br />
<strong>the</strong> Flavorizer Bar design,<br />
which protects <strong>the</strong> burner flames with<br />
tent-shape steel guards. Char-Broil’s<br />
Quantum cooking system, which utilizes<br />
infrared technology (photo, TK),<br />
incorporates a perforated stainless<br />
steel tray under a series <strong>of</strong> inverted-Vshape<br />
grilling bars. This is said to distribute<br />
heat evenly while disbursing<br />
grease in tiny droplets that vaporize<br />
before <strong>the</strong>y reach <strong>the</strong> burner. Char-<br />
Broil suggests turning <strong>the</strong> grill on high<br />
for five minutes after each use to burn<br />
<strong>of</strong>f residual grease that might collect<br />
between <strong>the</strong> bars.<br />
In regard to size, your grill should<br />
be big enough to accommodate your<br />
entertaining needs, not just dinner for<br />
your immediately family. <strong>Grill</strong> makers<br />
use two measures to compare capacity:<br />
square inches <strong>of</strong> grilling area and<br />
<strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> hamburgers that can be<br />
cooked at once. If you use <strong>the</strong> squareinch<br />
approach, make sure <strong>the</strong> manufacturer<br />
is only counting <strong>the</strong> main<br />
grill area, not <strong>the</strong> warming rack.<br />
Material things<br />
One easy-to-spot grill trend is stainless-steel<br />
exteriors. Manufacturers<br />
have embraced stainless steel for its<br />
upscale commercial appeal and perceived<br />
rust-resistance, but inferior<br />
44 HANDY J U N E / J U LY 2 0 0 9
Char-Broil’s Quantum cooking system<br />
utilizes both infarred and open-flame<br />
heat for even cooking with no flare-ups.<br />
Sleek stainless steel (as featured on this Weber Summit S-470, above left) and vibrant<br />
exterior colors (shown on this Char-Broil model, above right) are easy-to-spot grill trends.<br />
stainless steel can dull and rust after a<br />
single season <strong>of</strong> use. For a more<br />
durable product, select a grill made<br />
with higher-grade stainless steel.<br />
Some grilling aficionados used to<br />
suggest that you bring a magnet to <strong>the</strong><br />
store to test <strong>the</strong> stainless steel used in<br />
competing products. (If <strong>the</strong> magnet<br />
stuck, <strong>the</strong> steel was considered lowquality.)<br />
However, new developments<br />
in steel processing have made this test<br />
unreliable.<br />
Some manufacturers specify different<br />
grades <strong>of</strong> stainless steel used in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir products. (Weber labels grades<br />
that are corrosion-, heat- and wea<strong>the</strong>rresistant.)<br />
But <strong>the</strong> best advice for finding<br />
high-quality stainless steel is simple:<br />
You get what you pay for.<br />
Since shiny stainless grills have<br />
become <strong>the</strong> norm on <strong>the</strong> showroom<br />
floor, you may want to make your personal<br />
style statement with color. Gas<br />
grills have emerged from <strong>the</strong>ir blackonly<br />
Model-T days and are now sporting<br />
red, vanilla, forest green, blue and<br />
brown finishes. Colors are <strong>of</strong>ten specific<br />
to particular retail chains. For<br />
example, if you like <strong>the</strong> features on a<br />
model at Lowe’s, you may find an<br />
identical grill in a different color at<br />
The Home Depot.<br />
Small helpful features can make a<br />
big difference in your grilling experience.<br />
For long, trouble-free service,<br />
battery-powered electronic ignition<br />
beats <strong>the</strong> old-fashioned pushbutton<br />
striker igniters. A reliable fuel gauge is<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r must. Blue Ember grills tout a<br />
sonar fuel gauge that pings <strong>the</strong><br />
propane tank twice a minute to tell<br />
you how much gas remains. The Blue<br />
Ember iQue model also has an integral<br />
meat <strong>the</strong>rmometer that tells you<br />
when thick cuts and roasts are done<br />
and an interior light for post-sunset<br />
grilling. Its propane tank even sits on a<br />
rolling caddy for easy handling. Some<br />
grills feature built-in smoker boxes to<br />
hold aromatic wood chips.<br />
Many manufacturers <strong>of</strong>fer optional<br />
conversion kits that enable you to connect<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir grills to a home’s natural gas<br />
supply. Though this means you will<br />
never run out <strong>of</strong> gas or have to lug a<br />
20-pound bottle from <strong>the</strong> filling station,<br />
it will prevent you from moving<br />
<strong>the</strong> grill around your patio or deck as<br />
<strong>the</strong> wind shifts. If you do plan to roll<br />
<strong>the</strong> grill from place to place, pay close<br />
attention to <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wheels<br />
and casters and overall stability.<br />
Whichever grill you choose, be<br />
sure to invest in <strong>the</strong> best custom-fit<br />
cover available. The cover will protect<br />
<strong>the</strong> grill from <strong>the</strong> elements, keep it<br />
clean and add years to its life — and<br />
keep it looking great even when it’s<br />
not in use. <br />
<strong>Handyman</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Of <strong>America</strong> member<br />
Roger Johns cooks up stories from his<br />
home in Rhode Island<br />
SOURCES ONLINE<br />
For online information, go to<br />
www.<strong>Handyman</strong><strong>Club</strong>.com<br />
and click on WEB EXTRAS.<br />
Brinkmann<br />
800-468-5252<br />
Char-Broil<br />
866-239-6777<br />
Fiesta Gas <strong>Grill</strong>s (Blue Ember)<br />
800-396-3838<br />
Lite Cylinder Co.<br />
866-412-5483<br />
Nexgrill Industries Inc.<br />
800-913-8999<br />
Propane Education & Research Council<br />
(202) 452-8975<br />
Sears Kenmore<br />
800-549-4505<br />
TVL International LLC (GasWatch)<br />
(704) 814-0930<br />
Universal Pest Solutions LP<br />
(Mosquito Mister), 888-966-2483<br />
Weber-Stephen Products Co.<br />
800-446-1071<br />
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